If you think about it, business travelers are very predictable. International, C-suite executives are even more predictable. Even the most populous cities in the world have limited hotels that executives would consider appropriate accommodations. The average business traveler might think that foreign intelligence or other agents wouldn't bother to track them. However, the task can be as simple as monitoring a few hotels.

One International Business Hotel: Major Business Risk for Corporate Espionage

In Tallin, Estonia that hotel was the Hotel Viru. The Hotel Viru was the only accomodations in town appropriate for foreign visitors. Thus in 1972 until until the collapse of the Soviet Union the hotel was bugged and monitored by the KGB. Today, the hotel has converted the top floor, former command station, into a museum. It is a relic to the real dangers facing business travelers today.

Lessons for International Business Travelers

If the technology existed in 1972 to bug an entire hotel, today the risks are even greater. The founder of SMI, Luke Bencie has written several white papers and a book on how to protect yourself. An essential book for every business traveler, Among Enemies: Counter Espionage for the Business Traveler.

Key Ways to Prevent Corporate Espionage

Assume private phone or hotel conversations are not private. Do not bring valuable information on electronics. Do not use the hotel safe or leave electronics unattended. Find out more detailed tips from his book or one of our training courses!